C: The Great Hat Giveaway
No, it’s not a contest…it’s the other kind of “giveaway.” I have dear, dear friends in Wales. They live in the outskirts of Cardiff. We became friends because their middle (and, later, their younger) son came to the US to coach soccer—specifically, my son’s team. He landed in our guest bedroom, and he became party of our family. When he married a girl from here, his family came over for the wedding. Their arrival added a dimension to my life for which I am eternally grateful. They are true, wonderful friends, and we could go years without face-to-face contact and remain almost family. They have stayed with us perhaps half a dozen times. Their sons had the unmitigated gall to move to the next state, so when they come to the US now, I do not see them. I have yet to visit Wales, but have absolutely no doubt of my welcome should my ship come in and I be able to afford the trip and the time from home. (I’m counting on the lott...